Q1. What has your journey been like, leading up to becoming a college principal?
Hitesh Bhatt: My journey to becoming a principal has been one of continuous learning, gaining experience and shouldering responsibilities. As a teacher, my priority has always been the holistic development of students and the delivery of quality education. Over time, taking on various academic and administrative responsibilities gave me an opportunity to understand the functioning of an educational institution from a broader perspective. For me, becoming a principal is not merely about attaining a position; it is about accepting a greater responsibility. I believe a principal must maintain a balance between the roles of a teacher, administrator and mentor. Q2. What role should teachers play in developing students' interest in studies?
Hitesh Bhatt: A teacher should not merely be someone who completes the syllabus, but a mentor who inspires curiosity and a desire to learn among students. Today, it is essential to connect subjects with practical life, technology and real-world situations rather than limiting students to textbooks. When teachers demonstrate enthusiasm for their subjects, remain sensitive to students' needs and adopt innovative teaching methods, students naturally become more interested in learning. I believe that a good teacher imparts knowledge, but a great teacher inspires the desire to learn. Q3. What is the biggest challenge facing higher education today?
Hitesh Bhatt: In my opinion, the biggest challenge in higher education today is to strike a balance between quality education and the evolving needs of the world. Simply obtaining a degree is no longer sufficient. Along with subject knowledge, students must develop critical thinking, communication skills, creativity, employability and ethical values. Preparing students for the age of technology and artificial intelligence is also an important responsibility of higher education institutions. Q4. Do you consider the growing influence of technology and AI an opportunity or a challenge for education?
Hitesh Bhatt: I primarily consider it a tremendous opportunity, although it comes with certain challenges. AI should not be viewed as a replacement for teachers, but as a tool to enhance their capabilities. AI can significantly assist in personalised learning, research, content creation, data analysis and understanding the individual learning needs of students. However, it is equally important to focus on ethical use, originality, critical thinking and human values. I firmly believe that AI can transform education, but it cannot replace human sensitivity in the learning process. Q5. How do you envision your college in the coming years?
Hitesh Bhatt: I envision my college as a modern, quality-driven and student-centric institution of higher education, where learning extends beyond examinations and degrees. I want our college to establish a distinct identity in academic excellence, research, innovation, skill development, cultural activities, sports and social responsibility. Our objective is to create an environment where students feel that the institution is not merely their college, but a place that gives shape to their dreams and aspirations. Q6. Who is your favourite author, and what inspires you about their work?
Hitesh Bhatt: Munshi Premchand holds a special place among my favourite authors. His writings portray society, human emotions, struggles and the realities of life in a remarkably powerful manner. His literature inspires us not merely to read, but also to understand society and human nature. I have also drawn inspiration from several other writers in Hindi and Indian literature. Q7. How did you develop an interest in literary writing?
Hitesh Bhatt: My interest in literature developed through the process of observing life and society with a sensitive perspective. My interactions with students as a teacher, the social environment, human relationships and various experiences of life have inspired me to write. For me, literature is not merely an expression through words; it is a medium to communicate emotions, thoughts and experiences to society. When an experience touches the heart deeply, it gradually begins to take the form of words. Q8. What message would you like to give students for achieving success?
Hitesh Bhatt: I would like to tell students that there are no shortcuts to success. Clear goals, consistent hard work, discipline and a positive attitude form the strongest foundation for achieving success. Never feel discouraged by failure, because failure is not the end; it is an opportunity to learn. Make good use of your time, keep learning new things, use technology positively and always preserve human values within yourself. My message to students is simple: “Dream big, work honestly and consistently to achieve your dreams, and make your success meaningful not only for yourself, but also for society and the nation.”